While Brisbane can’t really boast of attractions that rival the Sydney Opera House, there are definitely some sights worth visiting during your stay. Whether you’re into the arts, sports, or nature, Brisbane has something for everyone.

Queensland Cultural Centre: Located between the CBD and the West End suburb, the new Queensland Cultural Centre boasts its beautiful new buildings on the banks of the Brisbane River. Housing the Arts Complex, the Art Gallery, and the Museum, the Cultural Centre is a must visit for the art inclined. New exhibitions and performances are always coming and going so keep checking the calendar.

Southbank Parklands: Just a short stroll from the Cultural Centre, Southbank Parklands are the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. Full of playgrounds, restaurants, paths, and shops, Southbank often caters to weekend markets and street performers. Stroll the length and you’ll run across the fake beach. Man made down to the core, the fake beach offers a short spread of soft sand, rolling waves, palm trees, and even life guards in Speedos. Pack the family up for an afternoon and picnic in the parklands and soak up the views. Located on the river, you can look just across the water to the city high rises.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: If cute, cuddly animals are your thing, you can’t miss the Koala Sanctuary. One of the few places left in Australia where koala cuddling is allowed, it’s the perfect place to grab a snapshot of you holding the adorable marsupials. Despite its name, the Koala Sanctuary is not limited only to koalas. The sanctuary also houses kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and the likes. Head over to the sanctuary for an afternoon via the Brisbane River and grab lunch at the sanctuary’s restaurant or heat up your own barbie at their facilities. The trip to the sanctuary takes about 90 minutes and departs near the Victoria Bridge at 10 a.m. Ferries return to Brisbane at 2:45.

Brisbane River Cruise: If the day is nice, it’s essential that you take a trip down the Brisbane River. While cruises are available, they can cost a pretty penny and I’d just as soon recommend buying a ticket on the CityCat and riding it the length. You’ll enjoy the same views and save yourself some money in the process.

Sports: If you want to get a first hand view of Australian sport life, Brisbane has teams for rugby, cricket, and Aussie rules football. Even if you don’t understand the games, they’re worthy of checking out. Learn the lingo and get in there yelling with the locals.

The Casino: The Treasury Casino is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Brisbane. Located just before the Queen Street Mall entrance of George Street, the Casino is open 24 hours a day, housing 1,000 slot machines, five restaurants, and seven bars. You must be 18 or older to enter and be wearing nice, casual attire. Even if you’re not a gambler, the Casino is quite impressive and worth a look. Who knows, maybe it’ll be your lucky day.

Queen Street Mall: Every woman loves to shop and at the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, the Queen Street Mall is worthy of every shopaholic’s praise. Home to a plethora of shops, department stores, restaurants, and cafes, Queen Street will easily take up a whole afternoon of credit card swiping. Queen Street is also a good place to get souvenirs for those unlucky ones who had to stay back home.

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Cant speak highly of the cultural centre… there is always something to see or do… day and night… and almost all of it is FREE. http://www.brisbaneurbanadventures.com/ also do some cool tours of the city & surrounds